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All Portugal São Jorge Farol da Ponta dos Rosais

Farol da Ponta dos Rosais

On the cliffs of São Jorge in the Azores stand the remains of a lighthouse that was struck by a series of earthquakes.

São Jorge, Portugal

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David Matthey-Doret
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Farol dos Rosais   José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa
Farol dos Rosais   JCNazza / CC BY-SA 3.0
Inside the complex   davidmd / Atlas Obscura User
Small buildings on the side of the main complex   davidmd / Atlas Obscura User
Ground floor   davidmd / Atlas Obscura User
Farol dos Rosais   Jules Verne Times Two / julesvernex2.com / CC-BY-SA-4.0
São Jorge   pedrik / CC BY 2.0
View from vigia   davidmd / Atlas Obscura User
The road to the end of the world   claus donau / Atlas Obscura User
Do Not Enter   claus donau / Atlas Obscura User
A kitchen   davidmd / Atlas Obscura User
Ground floor, apartment   davidmd / Atlas Obscura User
The warnings   davidmd / Atlas Obscura User
official history of the lighthouse   davidmd / Atlas Obscura User
A bathroom   davidmd / Atlas Obscura User
The main gate, which is open   davidmd / Atlas Obscura User
Danger? Danger?   claus donau / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Along the cliffs of Ponta dos Rosais on the northwestern coast of São Jorge stands what remains of Farol da Ponta dos Rosais (Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse). Shortly after the lighthouse's formal inauguration, the entire island was struck by an earthquake that caused widespread damage.

The lighthouse and its surrounding buildings were completed in 1958. The 27-meter (89-foot) tower was surrounded by a number of residential buildings to house lighthouse keepers and their families. By the time all of the lighthouse's equipment was in place, it was considered the most technologically advanced lighthouse in Portugal.

But in February 1964, a seismic event forced everyone to evacuate the lighthouse. An underwater volcanic eruption caused a series of major earthquakes on São Jorge that hit the northwest part of the island the hardest, destroying hundreds of buildings. Over time the damage was repaired, and the lighthouse began operating once more.

On New Years Day 1980 another, even more powerful earthquake rippled through the Azores, with the most severe effects felt on the islands of Terceira and São Jorge. The quake caused landslides at Ponta dos Rosais and significantly damaged to the lighthouse's operating mechanisms. After that, the lighthouse was abandoned.

Today, the main tower still stands, though it is in a state of ruin. The abandoned residences are accessible, but the tower is closed because it's too dangerous, due to heavy infrastructure damage. Going to the left of the ruins allows you to reach the very end of the island with a unique view. 

Just before the lighthouse, you have the point of view Vigia da Baleia, with a perfect view of the entire complex, plus a view of the surrounding when the weather is clear.

Related Tags

Earthquakes Islands Abandoned Lighthouses

Know Before You Go

In order to reach this lighthouse, you need to drive 5 kilometers on a dirt road, perfectly accessible with any kind of car when the weather is dry. So, the adventure already starts 10 minutes before reaching the place! 

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davidmd

Edited By

Michelle Cassidy, claus donau

  • Michelle Cassidy
  • claus donau

Published

October 14, 2022

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Sources
  • https://www.amn.pt/DF/Paginas/FaroldosRosais.aspx
  • https://viagens.sapo.pt/viajar/viajar-portugal/artigos/este-farol-abandonado-fica-num-dos-lugares-mais-fantasticos-da-ilha-de-sao-jorge
  • https://www.publico.pt/2022/04/01/sociedade/noticia/crise-sismica-sao-jorge-situacao-nova-alteracoes-localizacao-sismos-2000952
  • https://architectuul.com/architecture/lighthouse-of-ponta-dos-rosais
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthouse_of_Ponta_dos_Rosais
Farol da Ponta dos Rosais
Ponta dos Rosais
São Jorge, 9800
Portugal
38.753453, -28.311433
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Nearby Places

Fajãs of São Jorge

São Jorge, Portugal

miles away

Mount Pico

Pico, Portugal

miles away

Santa Cruz da Graciosa Bullring

Santo Amaro, Portugal

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of São Jorge

São Jorge

Portugal

Places 2

Nearby Places

Fajãs of São Jorge

São Jorge, Portugal

miles away

Mount Pico

Pico, Portugal

miles away

Santa Cruz da Graciosa Bullring

Santo Amaro, Portugal

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of São Jorge

São Jorge

Portugal

Places 2

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